The Netherlands Requests $1.05 Billion In CH-47F Cargo Helicopters

The State Department last week approved a possible $1.05 billion Foreign Military Sales (FMS) request to the Netherlands for 17 CH-47F cargo helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the potential sale on March 19.

The primary contractor would be Boeing [BA].

CH-47F Chinook at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif. Photo: U.S. Army.

The contract would also include spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, aircraft ferry and refueling support, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. government and contractor technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support.

The Netherlands intends to use this equipment to strengthen its homeland defense, deter regional threats, and provide direct support to coalition and security cooperation efforts. The CH-47F is intended to supplement and eventually replace the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s fleet of CH-47 helicopters, DSCA said.

DSCA noted this would contribute to the national security of the United States by assisting a major political and economic power in Europe and NATO ally develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability.

Implementation of the FMS would not require the assignment of additional U.S. government or contractor representatives to the Netherlands.